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Home » War and Rebellion » Civil War (1642-9) » Associated castles

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  • Begun in 1277, Rhuddlan was the second of King Edward I's great Welsh fortifications. A protected river dock forms one side of the defences of this concentrically planned castle, dominated by a distinctive diamond-shaped inner ward. Rhuddlan Castle came under attack in the Welsh rising of 1294, and again in the Glyn Dwr rising of 1400, when the town was badly damaged but the castle held out. Rhuddlan was in Royalist hands during the Civil War, until forced to capitulate in 1646. In 1648 it was partially demolished to prevent its further use. Sources: http://www.castlewales.com/rhudln.html http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/
Aerial photograph of Rhuddlan Castle, 1989
  • Monmouth Castle was established in the late 11th century but underwent significant later remodelling. It was the birthplace of Henry V in 1387. During the English Civil War, the castle changed hands three times and was eventually slighted by the Parliamentarians following a three-day siege in 1645. The Great Castle House was built in 1673 by Henry Somerset, later the Duke of Beaufort, and replaced Raglan as his family's residence in the country following the Civil War. In 1875 the house became the headquarters of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia). Sources: Cadw http://www.castlewales.com/monmouth.html
Aerial photograph of Monmouth Castle and Great Castle House, 1994
  • Raglan Castle was built during the 15th century by Sir William ap Thomas and his son William. It was tranformed during the Tudor period, c. 1549-89, by William Somerset, earl of Worcester. During the English Civil War the castle was held for the King by his grandson, Henry Somerset. The Parliamentarians attacked the castle in 1646 and was eventually surrendered after a 13-week siege. Despite the damage inflicted on the castle during the Civil War, much of the hexagonal-shaped Great Tower and lavish suites of state apartments still survive. Source: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Aerial photograph of Raglan Castle, 1994
  • Chepstow Castle is one of the earliest stone-built castles in Britain. Construction began on the site in 1067. It became the centre of the medieval Marcher lordship of Chepstow. The castle was modified and developed in successive stages throughout the Middle Ages. During the Civil War the castle was attacked by the Parliamentarians. In October 1645 they bombarded the castle walls with heavy guns before Colonel Fitzmorris and his men surrendered. Source: Cadw
Aerial photograph of Chepstow Castle, 1994
  • Laugharne Castle was established in the early 12th century as an earthwork castle. It was rebuilt in stone by the Anglo-Norman de Brian family during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Sir John Perrot later transformed it into a Tudor mansion in the 16th century. During the English Civil War, Laugharne Castle was captured by the Royalists and in 1644 a 200-strong royalist garrison was installed under Lieutenant-Colonel Russell. However, a parliamentary force, led by Rowland Laugharne, beseiged the castle from 28 October to 3 November 1644, when he took possession of the castle. Although Laugharne garrisoned the castle for a time, it seems to have played little further part in the civil war. It was abandoned or slighted, either after the war or during the spring of 1645. Sources: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/ Cadw, 'A Nation Under Siege: The Civil War in Wales 1642-48' (London, HMSO, 1991).
Aerial photograph of Laugharne Castle, 1989
  • Building work on Montgomery Castle was commenced by Henry III in 1233 on the site of an old 'motte and bailey' castle. The new castle was built during Henry III's campaign against Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) and was given to Hubert de Burgh in 1228. It was held by the Mortimers in the 14th century. During the English Civil War, Montgomery became the site of a large battle in September 1644, with anything up to 9,000 troops involved. The castle surrendered to the Parliamentarians and was demolished after the war on the order of Parliament. Sources: http://www.castlewales.com/montgom.html Cadw, 'A Nation Under Siege: The Civil War in Wales, 1642-48' (London, HMSO, 1991).
Aerial photograph of Montgomery Castle, 1995